Over the past year or so there have been some major changes in how to get to Koh Rong and its sister island Koh Rong Samloem – From much faster ferry services from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, to more convenient flights into Sihanoukville, to the first cross-country train, it has never been easier to get to the beautiful islands. Here’s all the latest information to help you plan and book your trip.

P.S. You can book your tickets online now and save up to 30%:

 

Before you set off…

Please make sure you know where you are going – Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are big islands, and there are many hotels scattered around their 30+ beaches.

Most hotels are on the main tourist areas – Koh Touch on Koh Rong and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem.

Below is all the latest information on how to get to these popular beaches, as well as how to get to other areas of the islands, including how to get to Sok San Village, Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Coconut Beach, Palm Beach, Prek Svay, M’Pai Bay, and more (to get a better idea of where everything is, take a look at our Video Map).

Sihanoukville to Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem

To get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, or to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, you can take one of the 5 modern ferry companies – Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry, and GTVC. (There are also a couple of $5-$10 ‘Slow Boat’ services that take 1.5 – 2.5 hours – These services are not professionally run and are not recommended).

It will take about 40 minutes to get to your destination if it’s the first stop. If the boat first stops elsewhere, it may take 1 hour or so. Watch this short video to learn more about the ferries:

 

The 5 services offer modern speed boats with comfortable chairs, life jackets, and the option to buy food and drink on board. Not all of the ferries have air-conditioning, but once the boats set off there is a strong cool breeze throughout the sitting areas which more than makes up for it.

All 5 services will charge roughly $25 return, though prices can vary depending on time of year, special offers, etc.

All services leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville and go to the main tourist beaches on the islands (Koh Touch on Koh Rong, and Saracen Bay on Koh Rong Samloem). If your hotel is not on the main beaches (Koh Touch / Saracen Bay), please read on below.

For Koh Rong, the services stop at 2 piers that are very close to each other. However, for Koh Rong Samloem, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea stop on the left side of the bay, while Angkor Speed Ferry and GTVC on the right (it’s a 20 minute beach walk between the two, but your hotel should pick you up from either).

For the return journey the 5 services will leave from the same pier that they arrived on. All services will go back to the Ochheuteal (Serendipity) pier in Sihanoukville.

All ferry services can be very busy – We strongly recommend you book your tickets in advance and not miss out on the day. You can book your ferry tickets online now here:

15% OFF Ferries – Book Now

 

Ferry Boat Timetables: Sihanoukville to Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem

Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), Island Speed Boat Cambodia (ISBC), Buva Sea (BS), Angkor Speed Ferry (ASF), and GTVC all leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville. Please Note: All times provided are approximate – please confirm your departure times with your ferry company. We advise you to always arrive early for your chosen service.

Sihanoukville To Koh Rong

Time Boat
7.30am SFC
8am BS & GTVC
9am ISBC, ASF & SFC
9.30am BS
11am BS & GTVC
11.30am SFC
12pm ASF & ISBC
12.30pm BS
1.30pm SFC
2pm BS & GTVC
2.30pm ISBC
3pm SFC & ASF
3.30pm BS
4pm GTVC
5pm SFC & BS

Sihanouville To Koh Rong Samloem

Time Boat
7.30am SFC
8am BS & GTVC
9am ISBC, ASF & SFC
9.30am BS
11am BS & GTVC
11.30am SFC
12pm ASF & ISBC
12.30pm BS
1.30pm SFC
2pm BS & GTVC
2.30pm ISBC
3pm SFC & ASF
3.30pm BS
4pm GTVC
5pm SFC & BS

 

Ferry Boat Timetables: Koh Rong / Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville

For the return journey, Speed Ferry Cambodia (SFC), Island Speed Boat Cambodia (ISBC), Buva Sea (BS), Angkor Speed Ferry (ASF), and GTVC will leave from the same pier that they arrived on. All services will go back to the Ochheuteal (Serendipity) pier in Sihanoukville. Please Note: All times provided are approximate – please confirm your departure times with your ferry company. We advise you to always arrive early for your chosen service.

Koh Rong to Sihanoukville

Time Boat
7.15am BS
8.30am SFC
8.45am GTVC & BS
9.55am ASF
10.00am SFC
10.15am ISBC
11.45am BS & GTVC
12.30pm SFC
12.55pm ASF
1.15pm ISBC
2.45pm GTVC
3pm BS
3.45pm ASF
4.00pm SFC
4.15pm ISBC
4.45pm GTVC

Koh Rong Samloem to Sihanoukville

Time Boat
7am BS
7.30am SFC
8.30am GTVC
9am BS
9.55am ASF
10am SFC & ISBC
11.30am GTVC & SFC
12pm BS
12.30pm SFC
12.55pm ASF
1pm ISBC
2.30pm GTVC
3.30pm BS
3.45pm ASF
4pm ISBC & SFC
4.30pm GTVC

 

How to Get From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (and Vice Versa)

To get from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (or from Koh Rong Samloem to Koh Rong), you can buy a transfer ticket with any of the ferry companies above. To give you an idea of price, a transfer ticket from Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong) to Saracen Bay (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Samloem) costs roughly $6 one way.

You can buy your tickets at any of the ferry ticket shops on the islands or at the Serendipity Pier in Sihanoukville. The journey will take approximately 15 minutes (try to make sure that the ticket you buy is direct or the journey may take longer).

You can also hire a private long tail boat (traditional Khmer fishing boat – pictured below) to take you.

A long tail boat from Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem
A Private Long Tail Fishing Boat Can Take You From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem (and Vice Versa)

 

A private long tail boat will cost considerably more but can be shared among a group. For example, the boat will cost in the region of $30 to go from Koh Touch to Saracen Bay, $20 to go from Koh Touch to M’Pai Bay, and $60 to go from Koh Touch to Lazy Beach. Please only choose this option if the weather is nice enough for the journey.

How to Get Around Koh Rong

The most common way to get around Koh Rong is still via shuttle boats – Below is a rough schedule and pricing for some shuttle services:

Koh Touch to Sok San Beach: 1pm and 3pm ($6 per person, one-way).
Sok San Beach to Koh Touch: 6:30pm ($5 per person and includes a plankton swim).
Koh Touch to Sok San Village: 1pm and 3pm ($7 per person, one-way).
Koh Touch to Suns of Beaches: 12pm ($5 per person, one-way).
Koh Touch to Coconut Beach: 12pm ($5 per person, one-way).

Alternatively, you can hire a private long tail boat to take you around Koh Rong. Below are some rough prices (if you have more than 4 passengers, you might have to pay an additional $5 / person):

Koh Touch to Long Set (4K) Beach: $15 one-way, $30 return.
Koh Touch to Long Beach: $20 one-way, $40 return.
Koh Touch to Sok San Village: $30 one-way, $60 return.
Koh Touch to Coconut Beach: $25 one-way, $50 return.
Koh Touch to Suns of Beaches: $25 one-way, $50 return.
Koh Touch to Palm Beach: $50 one-way, $100 return.
Koh Touch to Lonely Beach: $60 one-way, $110 return.
Koh Touch to Prek Svay Village: $40 one-way, $80 return.
Koh Touch to Song Saa Private Island: $40 one-way, $80 return.

Finally, it is possible to buy a transfer ticket with one of the main ferry companies (if your destination is on route). Please speak to a ferry company representative on the island.

There is now a basic road network being developed on Koh Rong, connecting the various parts of the island. For example, you can rent a bicycle and bike from Koh Touch to The Royal Sands (Long Beach). Most of the roads are still in early development, but you can hire a motorbike driver (mototuk) to take you around (this won’t be cheap – expect to pay around $20 to get from one end to the other).

Ferry Boat Services to Koh Rong’s Alternative Beaches

If you’re staying on either Sok San Beach, Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Palm Beach, or Coconut Beach on Koh Rong, or if you’re staying on M’Pai Bay on Koh Rong Samloem, you can now get there directly by ferry boat.

How to Get to Sok San Village

Both Island Speed Boat Cambodia (3 times per day) and Buva Sea (1 time per day) stop at Sok San Village. The journey will cost roughly $25 return and will take approximately 1 hour. (Sok San Beach Resort also runs a daily ferry service from Sihanoukville to Sok San, but their guests get priority and prices are inflated ($40) for non-guests).

Island Speed Boat Cambodia Timetable:

Sihanoukville to Sok San Village: 9am, 12pm, and 3pm.
Sok San Village to Sihanoukville: 9.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm.

Buva Sea Timetable:

Sihanoukville to Sok San Village: 1pm.
Sok San Village to Sihanoukville: 2pm.

15% OFF Ferries – Book Now

 

How to Get to Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, Coconut Beach, and Romdoul Beach

Buva Sea Ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong
Buva Sea Ferry From Sihanoukville to Longset Beach & Nature Beach on Koh Rong

 

Buva Sea and Speed Ferry Cambodia now go directly to Long Set Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach. Speed Ferry Cambodia also stops at Romdoul Beach. The journey will cost roughly $25 return and will take approximately 45-90 minutes.

Buva Sea Timetable:

Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach / Nature Beach: 8am, 11am, 2pm, and 5pm.
Long Set Beach / Nature Beach to Sihanoukville: 7am, 9.15am, 12.15pm, and 3.15pm.

Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:

Sihanoukville to Long Set Beach: 7.30am, 9am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
Long Set Beach to Sihanoukville: 10.00am, 12.30pm, and 4pm.

Sihanoukville to Romdoul Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach: 7.30am, 1.30pm, and 5pm.
Romdoul Beach, Nature Beach, and Coconut Beach to Sihanoukville: 8.15am, 10.15am, and 3.45pm.

15% OFF Ferries – Book Now

 

How to Get to Palm Beach and Prek Svay

If you are staying on the northern side of the island at either Palm Beach or Prek Svay, Speed Ferry Cambodia now stops there 3 times a day. The timetable is as follows.

Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:

Sihanoukville to Palm Beach / Prek Svay: 7.30am, 1.30pm, and 5pm.
Palm Beach / Prek Svay to Sihanoukville: 8.00am, 10am, and 3.30pm.

How to Get to M’Pai Bay

There are now 4 ferry companies stopping directly at M’Pai Bay – GTVC, Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, and Buva Sea.

The 4 ferry companies leave from the Ochheuteal (AKA ‘Serendipity’) pier in Sihanoukville. A ticket will cost around $25 return and the journey should take 40 minutes – 1 hour depending on whether M’Pai Bay is the first stop.

GTVC Timetable:

Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 8am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm.

Speed Ferry Cambodia Timetable:

Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 9am, 11.30am, and 3pm.

Island Speed Boat Cambodia Timetable:

Sihanoukville to M’Pai Bay: 9am and 3pm.

15% OFF Ferries – Book Now

 

Day Tours of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem

If you would like to see Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem but you have limited time, an organised day trip to Koh Rong from Sihanoukville is a great option – We recommend the (appropriately named) Daily Tour Boat.

The Daily Tour Boat will take you to both of the islands and will give you several hours to explore, relax, and take part in activities (e.g. snorkelling and swimming).

The day tour will start at 9am (finish at 5.30pm) from the Ochheuteal (AKA Serendipity) Pier. Breakfast and Lunch are included, and the price for the Daily Tour Boat is $25 per person.

The Daily Tour boat can be very busy – We strongly recommend you book your tickets in advance and not miss out on the day. You can book your day tour online now here:

15% OFF Day Tours – Book Now

 

How to Get to Sihanoukville

International Flights to Sihanoukville

You can now fly directly into Sihanoukville from Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Ming City, and Macau – The first international flights to the airport.

The timing of the flights isn’t always that convenient, but we predict that the airport will open for further international flights in the near future. In particular, AirAsia, which provides the flights between Kuala Lumpur, Macau, and Sihanoukville, have opened a subsidiary company in Cambodia, suggesting that they are looking to expand their services very soon. The most recent announcement is a new direct flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Sihanoukville. The weekly flights operate 4 times per week and make the journey from Bangkok to Koh Rong even easier. Read the full articles here, here, and here.

Domestic Flights to Sihanoukville

If you are already in Cambodia, you can fly directly from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville and from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. The flights to Sihanoukville from Siem Reap are quite regular (and this is the most common way to get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong). However, the flights to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh can be inconvenient, and so other forms of transport (e.g. taxis, buses, and trains) are sometimes preferred. (See: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville).

Check Flights

 

How to Get From Sihanoukville Airport to Koh Rong

To get from Sihanoukville airport to Koh Rong, you can take a shuttle bus (around $4) that should be waiting outside the airport when you arrive.

The shuttle bus will take you into the centre of Sihanoukville, from which it is very easy to find the pier (just ask a passing Tuk Tuk to take you).

If for whatever reason you miss the shuttle bus, you should be able to find a Tuk Tuk (roughly $20) at the airport.

Tuk Tuk From Sihanoukville Airport to Koh Rong

A Tuk Tuk Can Take You From Sihanoukville Airport to the Koh Rong Pier

You can also hire a private taxi to take you – this will be more expensive at around $30.

30% OFF Taxis – Book Now

 

The journey should take approximately 30-40 minutes in total, depending on your mode of transport and the traffic on the day.

Taxis to Sihanoukville

If you’re looking for a bit of comfort for your journey to Sihanoukville (perhaps you’re travelling to Koh Rong from Kampot, Kep, Siem Reap, Battambang, or Koh Kong), then a private taxi is your best option. Not only are taxis quicker and more enjoyable than buses, but you have the option of stopping for toilet breaks, coffees, and even sightseeing if you wish.

Although prices vary depending on the length of the journey, to give you a rough idea a private taxi from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville will cost in the region of $60 and take 4 hours (2 hours faster than a bus).

The better services offer nice comfortable cars (e.g. a Lexus 4 x 4) and the drivers will pick you up from your hotel, the airport, or any other location convenient for you.

One thing that we recommend however is to book your taxi in advance. Not only is it cheaper, but Cambodian traffic can be hectic, so the taxi rides can be daunting and frightening if you don’t know your driver – please contact us to book a safe, reliable taxi driver from anywhere in Cambodia, or click below and book online now.

30% OFF Taxis – Book Now

 

Buses to Sihanoukville

There are many bus companies offering economy and VIP buses to Sihanoukville (this is the most common way to get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong).

Bayon VIP Bus From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville
Bayon VIP Bus From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

 

An economy bus ranges from $4-$6 on average and sits roughly 50 people. VIP buses are smaller and more comfortable, sitting around 15 people. They are a bit more expensive at $8-$10 one way.

VIP buses tend to be quicker and the journeys more convenient (e.g. you can ask the driver to stop if you desperately need to go to the toilet). To learn more about buses, read: Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville.

30% OFF Buses – Book Now

 

Direct Train From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville

There is now the option of taking a train directly to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh. Although the total journey can be in the region of 6.5 hours (compare a 4 hour taxi), don’t immediately disregard the idea – There is some absolutely fantastic scenery along the way, and all in all it makes for a very enjoyable experience.

The train currently operates only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and costs about $7 one-way. The carriages are quite comfortable and come with AC, plug sockets, and TVs (mainly playing Charlie Chaplin re-runs). The atmosphere is very cheerful and joyous, and because the train stops off several times along the way (including once in Kampot), the journey is broken up nicely.

The train’s schedule as of right now is as follows:

Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: Friday 3pm, Saturday 7am, Sunday 7am, and Sunday 4pm.
Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh: Saturday 7am, Sunday 7am, Sunday 4pm, Monday 7am.

Don’t be too surprised if it’s delayed by 30 minutes – 1 hour however. If you’re thinking of giving the train a go, we recommend you buy your ticket in advance – Each ticket comes with its own seat number and acts as a reservation.

Useful Resources

BookMeBus – Buy Tickets Online (Cambodia)

Camboticket – Buy Tickets Online (Cambodia)

12Go Asia – Buy Tickets Online (Asia)

eVisa Cambodia – Buy Cambodian Visa Online

Speed Ferry Cambodia – Official Website

Island Speed Boat Cambodia – Official Website

Buva Sea Ferry Cambodia – Official Website

Giant Ibis – Official Website

 

FAQs

Q: how do you travel from sihanoukville to Koh Rong?

 A: If you want to travel from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong, you can take one of the 5 modern ferry companies: Speed Ferry Cambodia, Island Speed Boat Cambodia, Buva Sea, Angkor Speed Ferry, and GTVC. The journey will take approximately 45 minutes and cost $25 return.

Q: How do you get around Koh Rong?

 A: It is now quite easy to get around Koh Rong. Depending on where you want to go, you can either travel by road, a shuttle boat, a private long tail boat, or a ferry transfer.

Q: How do you get around Koh Rong Samloem?

 A: Getting around Koh Rong Samloem is straight forward. Depending on where you want to go, you can either buy a transfer ticket ($6) with one of the main ferry companies, or hire a private long tail boat. It is now also possible to walk through the jungle trail (45 min) from Saracen Bay to Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach.

Q: How do I get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong?

 A: To get from Phnom Penh to Koh Rong, you can take either a bus, a taxi, or a flight to Sihanoukville, and then take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. For all the latest information, please read: Phnom Penh to Koh Rong.

Q: How do you get to Sihanoukville airport?

 A: You can now fly directly into Sihanoukville from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Ming City, and Macau – The first international flights to the airport. The weekly flights, provided by AirAsia, operate 4 times per week and make the journey to Sihanoukville even easier.

Q: Is there WiFi on Koh Rong?

 A: There is now free WiFi on most areas of Koh Rong, though it can be slow and unreliable.

Q: Is Koh Rong a party island?

 A: Please ignore what you might read elsewhere – Koh Rong is NOT just a party island! Yes, the main tourist area, Koh Touch, has a reputation for being quite lively, but there are MANY other areas that are peaceful, relaxing, and truly mesmerising.
 
Even on Koh Touch itself there are beautiful, quiet areas a little further down the beach.
 
Please read our Hotel Guide and Beach Guide for more information.

Q: How many days should I spend in Siem Reap?

 A: Siem Reap can’t be covered in one day – you’ll need at least three days to cover the huge expanse of the Angkor temples and other attractions in the area. The ideal time to spend in Siem Reap is around 3-4 days, depending on how early you get there. Just make sure you have at least one and a half full days.

Q: How do I get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap?

 A: You can get from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by either taking a bus, a private taxi, a flight, or a ferry. If you’re looking for a bit of comfort during your trip and an affordable price, then a private taxi is your best option. The journey will take approximately 5 hours in total and will cost about $75.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Cambodia alone?

 A: Yes, it is safe to travel to Cambodia alone, as long as you are sensible (which is the case in any country). Cambodian people are generally very respectful and friendly towards foreign men and women, but as with any poorer country, poverty is an issue. As such, we recommend that you do not wear expensive jewellery, leave your belongings unattended, or get heavily intoxicated. Otherwise, relax, explore, and enjoy yourself!

Q: Is Cambodia safe?

 A: Generally, Cambodia is a safe country – it is ranked the 59th safest country in the world, with violent crime being a rarity. The only exceptions are remote areas of large cities, so please be sensible with where you visit.

Q: How many days should I spend in Cambodia?

 A: We would recommend that you spend at least 10 days in Cambodia. An itinerary could go something like this:

Day 1 – Fly into Phnom Penh.
Day 2 – Visit Phnom Penh Museums.
Day 3 – Travel to Siem Reap.
Day 4 – Visit Angkor Wat.
Day 5 – Explore Siem Reap.
Day 6 – Fly to Sihanoukville.
Day 7 – Travel to Koh Rong.
Day 8 – Relax on Koh Rong.
Day 9 – Travel to Koh Rong Samloem.
Day 10 – Explore Koh Rong Samloem.

Q: What is the best time to go to Cambodia?

 A: We would say that the best time to go to Cambodia is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months you’ll have beautiful hot days (25°C – 40°C) with very little cloud and low humidity.

Q: What is the best currency to use in Cambodia?

 A: The best currency to use in Cambodia is the US Dollar, or the local Khmer Riel – Both currencies are accepted everywhere in the country.

Q: What should you not wear in Cambodia?

 A: Cambodia is a Buddhist country, and local people, especially the older generations, adhere to strict dress codes. As such, if you plan on visiting non-tourist areas, men should not wear shorts or vests, while women should not wear mini-skirts, tight yoga pants, or other revealing clothing.

Q: When is the best time to visit Koh Rong?

 A: The best time to visit Koh Rong Island is between the middle of November and the start of May. During these months you’ll have beautiful hot days with very little cloud and low humidity. To give you a rough idea of the average temperatures over this past year:
 
Middle of November / December / January / February: Warm and dry. 25°C daytime.
March / April / May: Hot and dry. 35°C daytime.
June / July / August: Hot and wet. 35°C daytime.
September / October / Early November: Warm and wet. 25°C daytime.
 
Please see our Weather Guide for more information.

Q: How long is the ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?

 A: If your destination is the first stop, it will take about 40 minutes to get from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. If your ferry stops somewhere else first, it may take 1 hour or so.

Q: How do I get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong?

 A: To get from Siem Reap to Koh Rong, you can take either a bus, a taxi, or a flight to Sihanoukville, and then take a ferry from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong. For all the latest information, please read: Siem Reap to Koh Rong.

Q: I have a return ticket to Koh Rong. Can I use this to come back from Koh Rong Samloem?

 A: Yes, this is usually OK to do, but please ask your ferry company before you set off to confirm.

Q: Is there a private ferry service from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong?

 A: No, there is currently no private ferry service that will take you directly from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong.

Q: Is it possible to take a ferry to Koh Rong after dark?

 A: No, for safety reasons no ferry company currently travels to Koh Rong after dark (i.e. after about 5pm).

Q: Can I hire a private long tail boat after dark?

 A: For safety reasons, we do not advise you to hire a private long tail boat after dark for getting around the islands. If you would like to see the plankton, please book a plankton tour or speak to an experienced guide.

Q: How badly are ferry boats affected by rainy weather conditions?

 A: This really depends on the weather on the day, but even in rainy season the rain can stop for several hours at a time, during which some ferry companies will continue service.

Q: Where is Koh Rong Samloem?

 A: Koh Rong Samloem is located about 25km (16mi) off the coast of Sihanoukville and 4km (2mi) south of Koh Rong Island.
 
Koh Rong Samloem is Koh Rong’s stunning sister island – a short 20 minute ferry trip away. It is a peaceful relaxing destination with breathtaking scenery – Pristine white beaches, clear turquoise ocean waters, and a tropical jungle wilderness.

Q: Where can I see the glowing plankton?

 A: Sparkling like a starry sky all around you, the bioluminescent plankton are a wonderful sight to behold at night times. Although this phenomenon is abundant on the islands, the glowing plankton can only be seen in places with very little light pollution.
 
As such, if you’re staying on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong) or on Saracen Bay (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Samloem), the easiest way for you to see the plankton is by booking a boat tour (you can also walk to Police Beach on non-party nights (15 minutes left from the main pier) and Tree House Bungalows (15 minutes right from the main pier) on Koh Touch, or make your way to Long Set Beach around the corner from Koh Touch).
 
For more information, please read: Glowing Plankton on Koh Rong

Q: Where are the best beaches?

 A: There are many wonderful beaches on Koh Rong. To give you an idea, here are three beaches that we like (please read our Beach Guide to learn more):
 
1) Lonely Beach – Possibly the best beach on the islands (even bettering Lazy Beach on Koh Rong Samloem), is Lonely Beach to the northern side of Koh Rong Island. Although it is not in the most convenient location, it really is absolutely stunning. The small alcove feels like a real island-paradise, with crystal clear ocean waters, soft white sandy beaches, and tall palm trees all around. The atmosphere is quite serene – so peaceful and quiet with just a few crickets chirping in the background. There are very few people around, so you feel quite isolated and secluded out in a truly beautiful setting.
 
2) 4K Beach (Long Set Beach) – We would say that 4K beach is number two on the list, though there are now several resorts built along this wonderful stretch of white sand, sparkling turquoise ocean, and tropical jungle wilderness. What’s great about this beach, apart from the stunning scenery and inviting pristine waters, is that it’s a short walk away from the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island (Koh Touch).
 
3) White Beach – At number 3 we are going to put White Beach – A 10 minute walk from the main pier on Koh Touch. Admittedly, there are probably better beaches, but the convenience of White Beach and the quality of the resorts around this area push it up a place or two. Despite what you might read elsewhere, this far side of Koh Touch is not a party location and does not suffer from the same setbacks that other more popular areas experience. The beach on this part of the touristy stretch is clean and well-kept, with soft white sands and beautiful clear ocean waters.

Q: What should I bring with me?

 A: We recommend that you bring plenty of cash, mosquito spray, sun tan lotion, and any other necessities. Both islands have small shops where you can buy most of what you might need, but prices can be inflated so it’s a good idea to stock up on the essentials before you go.

Q: Is it easy to get a Cambodian Visa?

 A: Yes – it is generally very easy to get a Cambodian Visa. Although there are tighter restrictions for Business Visas (which now require a Cambodian work permit), the Tourist Visa (1 month stay) is very straight forward and can be obtained at the airport / border crossing as you arrive. If you’d like to skip the ques, you can buy your visa online now here: Buy a Visa Online Now.

Q: Are there ATMS on Koh Rong?

 A: Although there is no ATM on Koh Rong, you can still get cash out at any of the three Eftpos terminals on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island). There is an Eftpos terminal at Green Ocean Guesthouse, White Rose Guesthouse, and Koh Lanta.

Q: Is there a medical facility on Koh Rong?

 A: There is a medical facility on Koh Touch (the main tourist area on Koh Rong Island). Please ask someone when you are there for directions.

Q: Is it a family-friendly place?

 A: Yes, there are many quiet, family-friendly places on the islands. Please see our Hotel Guide and Beach Guide to learn more.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we will reply ASAP.